Leave a Comment

currvalicious

I definitely wasn’t pleased w/his comments regarding being African-American. However to each his own. No one is actually paying Pharrell to be philosophical or promote the civil rights agenda. He’s being paid to crank out good music, that’s what he needs to stick to. B/c he came across out of touch, uninformed, ignorant, & blind to the plight of the everday minority in this country. I was wondering when one of these sites were going to actually address his entire interview w/Oprah, as opposed to the snippet of him crying over his song going global. Oprah didn’t question his views or the nonsense he was spewing, she just let him ramble on. He also can stand to take a few speech classes & educate himself on the topic he was trying to articulate.

B.

Good post, and even though I didn’t see the interview how you saw it, it’s interesting to read people’s reaction to this.

blythedhia

I agree with you, however when you say he’s being paid simply to crank out good music, that’s not necessarily true. Pharrell is considered at taste maker and a trendsetter, and because he’s all over the airwaves, his reach extends beyond the radio. A lot of people look up to Pharrell, and his opinions – toxic or not – will more than likely influence and/or change their minds. It’s not a mere coincidence that people with his views are given a major platform – and others – who may have more sensible notions for the greater good are not. That was a very self-serving statement he made, but it’s just another piece in the divide/conquer puzzle.

DA-BIG-D

SAY THAT! It IS NO COINCIDENCE! That people like Pharrell and others are the ones that seem to be given the largest/loudest platform at a time like this in this country and with the black American community in the state that it is in. No one will speak truth to power to the Black American race anymore. Our integrity, including that of some of our most visible figureheads, has been co-opted by the whiteman’s promise of a few more pennies/chicken wangs, his nod of approval and false promises of assimilation and acceptance.

YoRachetHouseGuest

Yes indeed. It’s going to be scary these next few decades…

All I can say is you can place blame where it is rightfully due; HOWEVER, you shouldn’t harp on it or use it as a means to CHOOSE to do poorly and make bad decisions.

There is an agenda to erase and distort history. Put us all in jail, breed us out, and push us to the brink 3rd world poverty.

DA-BIG-D

Yes! And we are helping them to accomplish their agenda!

DA-BIG-D

Yes. I can’t believe Lady O was sitting there nodding her head to uninformed ignorant rambling especially when just last year when she went to Tina Turner’s wedding, a boutique employee refused to let her see a handbag telling her that she couldn’t afford it. We may be in the age of the “New Black” but we are still going through the same old isht. Keep it 100.

I agree with parts of what he said. I don’t personally know any black people that go around blaming people for how their lives are going, but I absolutely know those people exist. I agree, we should be living our lives by nurturing our interests. We shouldn’t do things because it’s what black people should do. That is part of the point he was getting at that might have gotten a little lost. I don’t think anyone will argue with that. What I took from the bit about it being a about a mentality was, you can take being black and use that as the excuse to do nothing with your life, or you can take pride in being black and let that push you to do great things.

Perhaps it’s because I hate excuses, that I can understand some of what he said. But, it’s one man’s opinion. If other people feel differently, they’re free to. I may not agree with everything he says, but I quite enjoyed hearing a different point of view.

shanetana

I most certainly saw the same thing you saw..but ofcourse people try to justify just persecuting anything anyone in the public eye has to say I mean ANYTHING! smh

B.

Well, I’m glad I’m not alone. I agree, if someone’s friend says something, it’s not a big deal, but if a celeb says the same thing, it rocks their world. I see it more and more. Where this interview is concerned, there are points that are absolutely valid, but people won’t admit that. Oh well, he’s living his life as he sees fit, as am I.

turnerl

I totally agree with Pharell. I married someone who put himself in a “black” box. And that black excuse card gets reeeeaaaall old after a while. TO be honest, I don’t want anything to do with being “black” anymore, cause black people are insane with their excuses and limitations. If you ask me I’m a damb planetarian. I do what interests me. lol

Then again, I grew up in a wealthy area so I guess I can do what I want. And those of you who didn’t grow up like that can’t do what you want, right? Is that how it works? lol

I feel like we should all be able to do whatever the heck we want.

Jaz

Lol I stopped reading after “I don’t want anything to do with being black no more..” If only more people realized that “being black” wasn’t a choice.

I don’t mind being black but most peoples definition of what black is is toxic, filled with excuses, limiting, paranoid and miserable. So I want nothing to do with it. Yall can have that lol.

The only thing I am is love, and there are no limits, conditions or excuses with love.

Neutral

… and I guess you are the only black person with that point of view that you are about living life to the max and being a person not a label … aye! I’m black and that’s what I’m about and I can imagine billions more. But yet you have that image and don’t think for one second when someone looks at you they may well have those negative thoughts about you too irrespective of the how you are. However, the fact you have such toxic view point for a black person, well suffice to say that you are the difinitive uncle tom – a black person looking down at another black person. So stupid also. If you are from a wealthy background then you have an advantage right there above someone that is not (black or white don’t matter). Some people have to struggle to get up from the gutter because everything – their parents, environment and attitudes etc etc is against them whilst others start from a slightly or even well elevated ladder. I bet you haven’t a clue about that either it’s all just another excuse to you if the colour is black!!!

Theodore Pendergrass

He said that.SMH, He lost me with that album cover. MJ thought he could change the world too. Look how that work out. They turn against him too.

BliggityBlack

Lol! You are useless!

turnerl

Really? I have 2 businesses that do very well. But it’s cool, I don’t want to be used anyway! Toodles!

jennellabella2

Your not alone.

B.

Good!!

DA-BIG-D

Why does it seem that at this time point in history, being black is almost always equated with excuses. Or something 20,000 leagues below mediocrity? Our ancestors and people of our great grandparents generation were able to negotiate their blackness with exceptionalism. The blackness and being great were necessary ingredients in the recipe for personal, community and cultural advancement. Why now does one have to divorce themselves from black identity, black culture, or love of their blackness to be great or to be successful. Why do we have to negate it or neglect it? Leave it behind? Why is that now necessary for us? And this is a fairly recent phenomenon. Pharrell is old. he was around during the TribeCQ, Public Enemy, De La Soul, Das FX, Queen Latifah. He was around when black people and the hip-hoppers celebrated their blackness and African lineage. His words were the words of a sellout. I guess now after he has been embraced by Daft Punk, Robin Thicke, Madonna, etc. etc. and he appears to be going more “mainstream” his viewpoints have been tainted.

I don’t think that that was what he meant. Sometimes embracing “blackness” can leave you trapped in a box. “Blackness” is only a part, not the whole.

rebellemckenna

Lord forbid a black person decide to do music with someone outside of their race. They must have sold out because everyone should stick with their own race.

PickAName

I love when people intentionally twist interpretations of clearly written material to create certain reactions…always give me a kick. Re-read what was written. They never said nor implied anything about choosing to not work with nonBlack people. They simply asked why can’t the Blackness be proudly represented instead of hidden and tucked away, especially in the context of nonBlack peoples one works with? Then prior to that, they gave examples of people who did that with no shame. So stfu thinking you actually have some counterargument. Your post serves absolutely no purpose.

Can’t stand Black people who make excuse after excuse after excuse after excuse after excuse after excuse to not be w/, represent, be proud of, or help their own people. CanNOT stand them.

Theodore Pendergrass

Thank you, Black people always wanna be accepted by the whites. Ice Cube said it best, “they’ll have a new n*gg*s next Year”.

V

The problem is black people are living their lives and getting shot for no reason. We’re living our lives and it’s being interrupted by prejudice.

B.

And a lot of black people are living their lives and thriving. People I know are dealing with other issues, they don’t have time to lament how being black is a burden. Therein lies the problem. He didn’t negate the fact that there are issues. No one is that naive, but you can rise above the issues or wallow in them. I choose to rise above it. Being black has never held me back, because I don’t believe in letting anything hold me back, not circumstance, not history, nothing. I hear you, V, but life is always going to be interrupted by something, it’s all about how a person chooses to react to those interruptions.

GettingMoney4Real

I agree with you B. What I took from his comments was he doesn’t limit his thoughts, abilities, or experiences in life by only doing things black people do because he’s black…. It made complete sense to me.

B.

Absolutely. People hear race and lose all objectivity. Even when he talked about that ghetto mentality that didn’t allow him and his friends to go beyond 30 minutes of their neighborhood. That mentality is still so prevalent today and it’s said. It really is a mentality that keeps people back. He was spot on about that.

chocolatecitycom

The New Black (also known as) Cowards#Whatkindofblackareyou? I’m the kind of black that don’t F**K with Cowards.This is just some of that bi racial b.s. lmao let’s just keep it real. These people have no loyality to you. Take the hints they keep dropping….and notice the trends of it from ppl like Kobe, Kanye and the Kevin Harts of the world. Cowards plain and simple….I’m scared… so let me pretend shhhts not happening. Until…lol until.. they have to come tap dancing to blk folk when they little wives run off with their money….child stop. I hope young REAL negroes understand how powerful our story and existence is … no matter what you’re up against…we are here and can continue to be here … you just have to want to be. The EndI’m that black with the strenght of those “Blacks” before me….and F*** being anything else.

rebellemckenna

All he is saying is that black people need to stop blaming others for the things that may go wrong in their life. Is racism still alive? Yes. Is that an excuse for black americans to act they way they want and say it’s because I’m black…no. Look at what the media recognizes black people for. Stealing, shootouts, twerking and fights. If we want to be recognized as more than that then we need to stop doing that. He has an opinion just like everyone else on this blog but no one deserves to be talked down to or called a coward simply because they have an OPINION and say they do things that may not be considered “black oriented” because he likes it.

DA-BIG-D

He is being called out because he was being disingenuous and he spoke to mass media about what the “new black” is. If I can’t dictate what it should be for him, why did he go on record in a national publication dictating what it is for black America. Who is he, OUT OF ALL PEOPLE, to dictate what the state of blackness is now?

chocolatecitycom

Amen

Theodore Pendergrass

Preach!

YoRachetHouseGuest

How is that the new Black though?! Because old Blacks have always been about persevering and excellence. My generation… not so much. Every excuse in the fawkin’ book.

This new Black is concerned about being “real n!gg@$,” flaunting brands on social media, how many white guys/girls they can get or be cool with.

rebellemckenna

The old generation would be sad that what they’ve worked for has turned into this. That the integration they fought for has now been turned into blacks claiming that other blacks are selling out because they associate with other races but we won’t say a thing to the many blacks trying to take on an appearance that is not “black” fake blond hair, fake blue eyes, fake everything but one man who wants to be different is now crucified because he doesn’t see himself as being like everyone else

chocolatecitycom

and if you need to degrade the group of ppl you belong to to get wht fans then that says something about YOU and wht folk.. PERIOD!

chocolatecitycom

Sweetheart….who is Pharrell? Who is he to tell ANY BLACK PERSON WOMAN, MAN OR CHILD WE NEED A NEW ANYTHING…DO YOU KNOW HIM PERSONALLY ? I DONT! So, he’s out of line PERIOD!It’s that A and I and I’m not talking Allen Iverson..lol Arrogance and Ignorance is what it is….so should there be a new white? why not.. he will NEVER SAY THAT OUT LOUD….a new Asian? a new Latino? Perisan? Please. Only negroes need to change?…really? didn’t some triple K just take out three ppl he thought was Jewish…out of hate. But, y’all can lie to yourself if you need to. I just keep real. there needs to be a whole lot of new new.. boo boo.And Rebelle you dont make sense…black folk can’t change nothing without changing it. sorry. and allowing ppl to just murder your children is some better solution? just sit back and stay the poorest ppl in this country until we all just out of here huh? There is a reason Dr King stood up, Malcolm, Huey : ) just try to imagine if they didn’t…all the things Pharrell takes for granted ….prolly wouldn’t be available to him or Oprah. imagine.

PickAName

You act as if media doesn’t also have a bigger agenda at hand in what is portrayed, or doesn’t have a track record in its selective bias of coverage. I am done with these non-critical-thinking-ass negroes who simply react with fear of what whitey-thinks-of-me versus actually listening…okay, LISTENING…to current plights of the average Black American today. I sincerely hope they snap out of it and question everything that is presented as truth about Black people. Universal bad qualities, such as laziness, short-term-thinking, materialism, etc. should always be shamed; but don’t be the idiot that buys the bullshyt that these qualities portrayed through media is only attributed to Black peoples.

It really boggles my mind how one has to defend one’s own people from unwarranted accusations from….one’s own people! (Unless they’re good ol trolls…..)

Jaz

Kanye doesn’t belong in that group.

noelle224

Exactly…which goes to show chocolatecitycom has no idea what he’s talking about. Speaking black pride on one hand, then calling kanye a coward on the other…the same man who stood on live tv and said “George Bush doesn’t care about black people…” oh, ok.

YoRachetHouseGuest

Just like how a certain someone got on TV and rubbed her belly. It’s called making news. But it doesn’t mean it’s real.

Yes, and do you think that he doesn’t still get flack from that to this day?

chocolatecitycom

And the same man who sells apparel with the confederate flag on it. His family..triple K… been showing up lately..(steps of GA Capitol) March 1st…then shooting up folk..the other day….I guess he’s making them all the rage again. Little do he know they’ll drag his dumb behind on the back of their F150 to woods and put him on the Bar-B…lolI do think Kanye is a coward…cause he is afraid to lose certain fans….but, me I actually really don’t think all wht ppl are all racist…so the truth will set you free…PERIOD

DA-BIG-D

Ye is still a c00n who has sired a child with a non black harlot (instead of a black queen).

Jaz

He has a right to love who he wants to love.

DA-BIG-D

I am not saying that he doesn’t. I am just stating what he is. And what she is.

Tisha

Calling her a harlot is just like a white person looking down on you and calling you a nigg33r. But keep on going with yo hypocrisy.

DA-BIG-D

No it is not. She IS a harlot. She IS a wh0r8.

Queen2Cent

She is trash. And contrary to popular belief, Nigg3rs do exist. Lil’ Wayne, Rick Ross, a prime example.

Tisha

So you’re OK with being called a nigg33r

chocolatecitycom

lol….so exactly what is a nigggg do tell. ppl get mad if you say Kings or Gods…lol But, want to be called a nword. It’s sad how conditioned folk can be and don’t even realize it.

TrillProphecies93

Oh yeah that white slore Kim is a real angel lmfao!

Tisha

Nigg3r please. Oh that c00n trill93 … trill is a real angel lmafo

TrillProphecies93

lolz you that you were doing something smh. Go back to riding on that white D you worship so much

No Kanye plays both sides. And when Kanye is ccomplaining and speaking out, he speaking out for HIMSELF. Not us.

Jaz

I mean of course he’s speaking out for himself as in his personal experiences. How many of us knows what it feels like to have to sell million dollar ideas to companies only to have it oppressed?

Jaz

When he rants about these corporations as a whole, he speaking as a black man.

Jaz

When he ranted about george bush not liking black people, he was speaking as a black man.

Jaz

When he talks about us being new slaves, he doesn’t separate himself he includes himself. He knows that no matter how much money you have to these people, you’re still a n*gger to them

Please stop

Yes compare his interviews with white people with his interviews with blacks. He’s a code switcher.

chocolatecitycom

I can’t tell. and that’s my opinion. I didn’t say you had to agree. see how that works.

Jaz

You can have your opinion because they are subjective. I still made a valid point that he doesn’t belong in the group. See how that works.

noelle224

You missed his entire point, didn’t you…

DA-BIG-D

PREEEEAAACCCCHHHH!! Please read my response to “B.” And like I said, Oprah knows her a z z was wrong for siting there and even nodding her head to his b.s. when just last year, a saleswoman refused to let her see a purse in a boutique because she assumed she couldn’t afford it. Looks like the “new Blacks” are still going through the same ol isht. But they don’t have the heart and integrity of our ancestors to call it out and fight against it. It is all about them, their pocketbooks and their receipt of the desired pat on the back from the whiteman.

Theodore Pendergrass

Preach!

Tisha

What about black people’s faults?

Queen2Cent

Tisha, just because you slobbing down Black D**ck every night doesn’t make you an expert on Black Affairs. Yes, Black Folks need to get our isht together, but the fact still remains the same.

Tisha

So where is your pro blackness when black people are bullying dark skin Blacks and calling them ugly?

Where are all you so called strong blacks when African girls are over in Africa being circumsized and raped and belittled by a African system that treats females like cattle?!!!

Queen2Cent

Have this website to write an article, and we’ll test this theory. In the mean time stay on topic.

Xzamilio

What she said is in the same vein as what is being discussed. Why is it that you just ignore it? Because you don’t want to address that she’s right. Yeah, we care so much about color, but what is the first thing out of our mouth if we are arguing with someone dark skinned? We go after their skin tone.

PickAName

^Strawman argument folks. Keep it moving.

TrillProphecies93

Tisha have several seats in the middle of a high way you’re an idiot and white worshiper!

PickAName

We’re speaking out and educating our local communities about FGM and getting politically involved in women-led movements in Africa to make and enforce laws against it. And we also invite open discussions on race at our local community centers and show how preference for light-skin isn’t only European-influenced, but a relatively new phenomenon as many artistic depictions in Kemet and other parts of Africa showed dark skinned people in the ornaments and paintings.

Now please shut the hell up and stay focused.

Audrey

AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!

Theodore Pendergrass

Right On.

staygolden

The New Black aka ‘Lightskinned’

DA-BIG-D

The New Black aka ‘pretending that I am not black.’

YoRachetHouseGuest

“There’s no such thing as racism anymore.”

“I’M NOT DARK SKINNED, I’M BROWN SKINNED” LMAO

shanetana

I believe what he said needed to be said. People are still caught up in EVERTHING being a “black and white” thing..hell there is other races and world crises to be concerned with than this man’s GOD GIVEN RIGHT to have an OPINION!

bigdawgman

But can’t other people have an opinion about it too?

B.

I agree, although I think people talk a lot of ish on social media, that they don’t even believe. To speak to part of what Pharrell was saying, I think a lot of people say what they think they are supposed to.

noelle224

Amen

bigdawgman

I’m an old black, but I don’t blame white folks for our issues.. except racism. WTF was he talking about again???

shanetana

what I got out of it was he isn’t going to base his life in any aspect based on other peoples perception of how he should be based on the color of his skin.

bigdawgman

Dang, that sounds much better. You ought to write for him, for real.

Jaz

If thats what she got out of that statement then she needs to write for everybody who says controversial things. Lol cuz thats not what he said or meant at all.

noelle224

That’s exactly what he meant. But folks would rather jump down his throat for the sake of drama and controversy than listen with an open mind and accept his statement for exactly what it was…an OPINION.

B.

The easy thing to do is pounce at the first opportunity. I’m actually glad that there are people who got what he was trying to say. Perhaps it wasn’t explained fully, but for the most part I got what he was saying. It annoys me that people seem to think their opinions are more valid than the next person’s. If something is Pharrell’s reality or my reality, and someone has a completely different reality, it doesn’t make theirs more real. People k ill me with that crap.

noelle224

Cosign to the fullest!!

Jaz

To even mention something as vain as “the new black” is repulsive. I listened with an open mind and heard every word. I personally follow some of those people and they are as very well educated and articulate as myself. So pardon us if we don’t think this so called “opinion” stands for anything other than bs.

noelle224

And you have a right to your opinion as well. So pardon me if I respectfully disagree with it. Just because you don’t agree with someone’s opinion doesn’t mean it’s bs. It just means you don’t agree.

Jaz

Your interpretation of his words isn’t an opinion. If he had said the sky was blue I wouldn’t need your view on what he meant. Everyone other than yourself took it as it was stated. You can’t go around interpreting peoples words for them to your liking. SMH

noelle224

Cosign. That’s my exact interpretation as well.

buck

yea stick to music bra you so out of touch but alot of blacks whom get a lil money cant wait to forget wee they came from which is sad because why would you want to be anything else other then whom you are unless you have problems feel me

noelle224

The point is to better yourself, not limit yourself to who you currently are. I don’t think he’s out of touch at all. I think the folks who are judging him are. Being black doesn’t mean you have to conform to a single way of thinking.

noelle224

I don’t have a problem with anything he said. But most people will get stuck on “new black” and lose sight of his entire point. What he said needed to be said. And hopefully it will inspire some people to let go of their excuses and live their full life.

TX2Hi

The more into the industry these black men get, the more out of touch they become. I am sure that other successful men of other communities are not trying to run from who they are. I just home he returns home after he is done ‘pursuing his interests’. So stupid.

Tisha

You missed his whole point

TX2Hi

No Tisha. I got completely. Keep your head in the sand.

noelle224

Crabs in a bucket mentality is rampant these days…y’all can have that.

Tisha

I don’t blame whites for my problems but in rreality most are secretly racist. Black people are all prejudice against darker black people as well.

All and all I only Rock with progressive thinkers.

noelle224

I can respect this

Guest

You don’t have to blame them for your personal problems. Why does ignoring a very real system of oppression = progressive thinking?

Tisha

Black people need to create their own systems and stop selling it out to the highest bidder.

GeekMommaRants

If I as a woman only complain about the worst relationships I have apart of how does this help me move on to a more positive place? It does not. Eventally, we all have to move on and live the best life we can.

Black Americans are amongst the 1% in South Africa, the reason being opportunity and freedom. Some of us may have to leave this country to realize our dreams. Nothing wrong with trying something new.

Alice

It’s extremely problematic to consistently see black people and white people spew out the same internalized white privilege argument. “If black people just worked harder, if black people just did xyz, if we just stopped making excuses, then everything will be alright” All this type of thinking does is victim blame black people for existing in black bodies and being apart of black culture. I’ll never forget in college when one of my professors called me out when I attempted to make the same argument. I used to believe that if black people just changed their ways then we could solve all of the problems that plague our community but that’s not true. I had to learn that we are NOT directly responsible for the issues that plague our communities. As a black person you must know and understand that there are social and political structures in place to make sure we do not succeed. I’m sure we can all identify exceptions to this rule but we have to acknowledge the fact that there are people out there who can work extremely hard and will not suceed because they are black. Point. Blank. Period. There is no rebuttal.

I think some black people have a hard time accepting this idea because we are extremely under educated about our history and about our place in society. From grammer school up until high school we are only given the same three pages about slavery and civil rights…and that is only a small piece of our history. We don’t have discussions about gentrification, colorism, the preschool to prison pipeline, the sentencing disparities based on race, and the list continues. We have to actively seek out this education when we get to college, and that’s if we decide to take these courses. In addition to a lack of formal education, I think a lot of us lack the insight into how our experiences as black people shape and define our culture. For example we look at these young black men who are out here killing each other and we automatically assume that it’s just something wrong with them and who they are as people. However, we do not acknowledge that they are socialized in poverty stricken neighborhoods, with little to no resources , limited family support, and possibly mental health issues (because black can also have mental health issues) trying to survive a generational cycle of poverty. These factors play a huge role in their development and these challenges are in place to make sure they don’t succeed. Black people do not choose to be poor or under educated. That’s why it irresponsible to say things like, “if black people just worked harder, then things would be better. ”

noelle224

You lost me at: ” I’m sure we can all identify exceptions to this rule but we have toacknowledge the fact that there are people out there who can workextremely hard and will not suceed because they are black. Point. Blank. Period. There is no rebuttal.”I disagree. I’m sorry, but in 2014, the argument of “I didn’t succeed because I am black” is no longer valid. Sure there may be some racist who didn’t hire you at job A, but what about jobs B-Z? The opportunity is there for those who are willing to put in the effort to seize it. Yes, it may be harder to do so because you are black. Yes, you may have to work twice as hard because you are black. But the idea that you will somehow not succeed because you are black needs to be left in the 60s. As a young black in America, there is no excuse why you can’t achieve greatness. There are kids in Africa, India, and everywhere else who come from homes with no electricity, no running water, hiking ten miles to get food and fresh drinking water in war-torn countries, and they come to the U.S., grow up and become doctors, lawyers, the epitome of success. PLEASE black people, explain it to me because I simply don’t understand. WHAT IS YOUR EXCUSE???

Tisha

How about the black people who discriminate against dark skin black females in the entertainment industry?

Its because of whites that dark skin models have lucrative careers modeling because black people would never give them a chance in h3LL!!!

noelle224

That’s a whole other issue and I feel you on that!!! This chick may not look like beyonce, but that doesn’t mean she can’t sing her behind off! Chalk this up as one more area that black people need to do better on.

Tisha

I don’t really care if black people change or not. I’ve given up on the black KKK a long time ago.

Alice

Black people who discriminate against other black based on skin color is a result of internalized colorism. Black people did not create colorism it is a result if being psychologically conditioned by to believe that blackness is inferior to whiteness. I’ll admit we play are part in perpetuating this ideology but we did not create it. We can continue to challenge it and educate others on where colorism originates from. I always recommend people watch the documentary Dark Girls…excellent documentary.

Tisha

OK. SO HOW ABOUT WE GIVE YOUNG WHITES that are racist THE SAME PASS WE GIVE BLACK PEOPLE WHO BASH DARK SKIN PEOPLE OR PEOPLE WITH AFRICAN FEATURES… SINCE THEY TOO WERE TAUGHT COLORISM!!!

YOU SEE HOW NOT BEING A HYPOCRITIC WORKS DARLING??

SO IN 2014 I’m not excepting that excuse.

Alice

Are you kidding me? You make no sense.

Who is giving ANYONE a pass for for discriminating again dark skin people? Where and how did I make that argument? Absolutely no one should be given a pass for perpetuating colorism white or black…but to assume that black people are inherently discriminatory towards other black people who are dark skin just because they are black, does not make sense…that is something that we have internalized. It was taught to us by white people…we are perpetuating the idea and we need to stop.

In 2014 I’m not providing you with an excuse, I’m providing you with a history lesson darling…

Tisha

Your comment implied that they get a pass.

And before black people were taught colorism by white Massa…. guess what???

They were taught tribalism which is why Africans were selling Africans and killing other Africans and that still goes on til this day!!!

How about we keep it all the way 100?!!!!!

Alice

Are you white? If so what you are suffering from is a thing called white privilege…look it up because I won’t be explaining it here. If you’re not white, you should still look it up as an educational exercise. The term is very much related to my previous post along with this response.

Im not sure how you are confused by my statement. I think i made my point very clear. Just because there are exceptions to the rule, that does not mean that everyone will or can be an exception. There are people who will work their asses off and be denided opportunities because they are black or another person of color…that is because of something called “institutionalized racism” (more vocab to look up)

In 2014 black people are still being denied job interviews because there names are too black and ghetto….real problem. Real discrimination based on race. Look it up.

2014 black kids in pre-school are being arrested and and entered into the criminal justice system effectively starting them on their way to be tunneled into prison…and we know what happens after that and if you don’t know its called “the new jim crow” excellent read you should check it out.

In 2014 the cost of higher education is increasing…and student loan debt is rising…but did you know that you have to have a credit check to apply for a loan? So how does the child go to college if he cant afford to pay for school and he doesn’t qualify for a loan because his parent have bad credit? Exactly how does that child go on to become a lawyer or a doctor? Is it their fault they wete born into a cycle of poverty? Do I need to explain how cycle of poverties happen? And how does the recent graduate pay off their student loan debt when they have a B.A. and can’t find a job?

It’s 2014 and institutionalized racism is a very real thing.

Once again, your argument is irresponsible.

noelle224

First of all, I am a BLACK WOMAN. Thank you for asking. Secondly, I am so sick of black people blaming all of our problems on discrimination and institutionalized racism. Just one excuse after another. Wake up people, the first step is admitting that you have a problem. And that problem lies within. If black people spent more time focusing on things like self help, home training, hard work and determination, then outside factors like institutionalized racism would no longer have such a grip on our community. Black people are so hell bent on fighting the battle that they don’t even realize that we already won the war. You have your rights. You have your freedom. That’s far more than those who came before us could say. The question NOW is what are you going to do with it. Sitting on your hands crying foul is not the answer. Those who came before us overcame far greater obstacles than those plaguing our youths. The same can be said of daily struggles around the world. Again I ask. What is your excuse? Alice, you have heart and a passion for what you’re saying, I’ll give you that. But in my opinion, the mentality that you’re encouraging is not the solution. It’s a part of the problem. It fails to recognize how far we’ve come. And how far we’ve fallen at our own hand.

Queen2Cent

“You have your rights. You have your freedom. That’s far more than those who came before us could say.” If you’re happy with just that……..

Black Folks like you mixed in with Black folks doing dirt, and being arrested by White cops, then have the audacity to Holler, “It’s because I’m Black” is what is wrong with the Black community.

We have the false criers and the non-believers.

Tisha

Did you not read where me and her agreed that most whites are secretly racist????????

noelle224

I can respect this as well. Everyone who cries foul isn’t a victim

Tisha

Anytime you don’t tell our people what they wanna hear you’re either a white trolling as black or an uncle Tom. Smh.

The black KKK sure is afraid of truth getting out, ain’t they?

noelle224

Haha!!! I know right. Why can’t we respect each others opinions? All black people don’t have to sign on to the same line of thinking.

Alice

I honestly believe that what you and Tisha are hearing is that ALL black people are incapable of doing better because of racism.

That is not the argument I’m trying to make. So let me clarify for the umpteenth time.

We are without a doubt capable of achieving greatness. However, I’ll quote Chris Rock “Black people have to fly to places white people can walk to…”

IT IS A KNOWN AND PROVEN FACT THAT BLACK PEOPLE FACE CHALLENGES BECAUSE OF THEIR RACE. ***THIS IS NOT DEBATABLE NOR NEGOTIABLE. *** I am not using this as an EXCUSE IT’S A FACTUAL STATEMENT.

While we may all be capable of greatness, we will not all achieve it because of institutionalized racism. ONCE AGAIN…A FACT.

Not all black people start out in the same place in life…you have to be willing to acknowledge this. We are not all given EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES TO SUCCEED.

THEREFORE YOU CANNOT BLAME EVERY BLACK PERSON FOR NOT BEI G SUCCESSFUL IN LIFE WHEN THEY WERE NOT GIVEN THE SAME OPPORTUNITIES AS EVERYONE ELSE TO DO BETTER IN LIFE.

I can’t make it any clearer then this, I mean if you all dont get it at this point there is really no reason to carry on this conversation.

It is what it is, you either choose to accept or you don’t.

DeLeon629

its cool to be over the “race card,” yet at the same time, it cant be ignored: To not acknowledge the fact that race relations in America is still a force to be reckoned with is synonymous to telling any Black American that they don’t exist, the ongoing problems faced are to be ignored, and they should basically just disappear…

Trendsetter

Well said. Bravo

Emmanuel X

You are correct. These practices are more harmful to the Black community. But there are other people of color and even low income whites that are being effected. Those who have low credit scores are being denied for jobs. Blacks who are fortunate to get a job are not being paid the same salary as their white counterparts even though they are doing the same exact job. Education nowadays, specifically with the increase of charter schools, is used for social indoctrination.

Guess

Bravo!!!

Jaz

Thank you ma’am!! Its so hard fighting a war when half of the soldiers are useless because they don’t realize that they are apart of it. I seen a video yesterday about a young black woman who submitted her resume online to over 300 jobs over the course of 2 years and didn’t even get 1 response. She created another profile using her same credentials and changed her name and race to white and got responses in the same week. So my response to Pharrell is cut the BS. He KNOWS that some of us are in oppressed states that are beyond our control. He KNOWS that only a few blacks compared to whites will ever reach such a status outside of oppression. There is no new black simply because that would imply an existence of old black and that its divided. Out. Of. Touch.

Tisha

How about we create our own businesses and wealth and stop throwing our money to these very same corporations that won’t hire us?

And to be honest …. black people on a large scale have terrible customer service and job etiquette.

They think being friendly and breaking their neck to help a customer is kissing a$$ . You don’t know how many times I’ve witness unprofessionalism from our people.

Alice

I agree that we do have to start building businesses and ciculating wealth within our communities. However, that does not mean we ignore or stop challenging the issues of racism we face and then turn around and blame ourselves for these issues.

Alot goes into starting a business and sustaining that business and on top of that making sure it is perceived as a respectable establishment. We can’t deny that black people face all types of challenges starting and keeping businesses because they are black.

Watch Kanye West’s interview with Sway where he talks about trying to start a high fashion clothing line…He lost money because no setious fashiom designer would work with him…and he tells you exactly why. Because he is black.

I’m not saying black businesses can’t be successful. However we must admit that black people face challenges that white people don’t have to face when it comes to starting a business.

Tisha

Listen honey. Discrimination is everywhere whether it’s based on color or gender or sexual orientation ITS EVERYWHERE and IT’S COMING FROM EVERYONE!!!!!

SO DON’T GIVE ME THAT!!

THANKS TO THE WHIT MAN’S LAW … IF I GET RAPED I CAN REPORT IT AND THE RAPIST GOES TO JAIL UNLIKE OVER THERE IN AFRICA!!!

Queen2Cent

Why do White Folks lurk around on Black Websites, and get offended about topics they know nothing about. SMDH

Tisha

I am black OK?

Stop this!!!

Stop lying!!

Alice

Ok so because discrimination is everywhere, black people should just throw up their hands and quit because there is just nothing we can do about it…so just take it as it comes…

If this is your belief then there really is no reason to carry on a conversation with you about the advancement of black people…

Tisha

A black mam raped me and a white man helped me.

Black girls beat up my dark skin sister and white girls told her how beautiful she was and helped her get a modeling gig in Europe.

Black girls told my brother he was ugly and too dark every time they got mad at him… a white woman weeped for his attention.

So in realistically all prejudices are a spiritual issue not the white man but vanity and hate from Satan. Your hypocrisy doesn’t work over here OK?

Alice

How am I being hypocritical? Please explain?

How am I being hypocritical by defending black people? Have I not acknowledged that black people play a roll in perpetuating harmful ideologies within the community?

Do you honestly believe black people do not face challenges?

Do you honestly believe that because other people of color across the globe face discrimination that it somehow makes the racism black people face invalid or less important?

Trust me as a woman of color, specifically a dark skin woman, I know all too well the fustrations that come along with not fitting the ideal beauty standard. I know what it is to be disrespected by black men and how it feels to not to be desired by black men because of my skin color. I know what it is to not see positive represenations of myself in the media and when I do see other women of color their skin has been brightened so much that you cant even tell that they are dark skin OR these women are being portrayed as being ugly, masculine, and undesirable. I KNOW BLACK MEN & WOMEN ALLOW THIS BUT IM EDUCATED ENOUGH TO KNOW WHERE THIS ISSUE ORIGINATES FROM. I have absolutely no problem addressing black men on their internalized colorism and misogyny…I do it everday.

I’m privy to the fact that we have issues in the black community that we need to work on together as a people. But I will not blame my race for their blackness and I will not allow white people or other people of color to think for one minute that institutionalized racism does not exist and that white are some how not responsible for it.

Now what you need do is find a way to deal with whatever self-hate you have going on within yourself and stop reflecting it in your comments towards other black people just because you have been hurt by a few. It may be true that some white people have shown you some kindness in your lifetime when others have let you down but NEVER FORGET THE ROLE WHITE PEOPLE PLAY IN THE HISTORY OF PEOPLE OF AFRICAN DECENT AND THE ROLE THEY CONTINUE TO PLAY IN KEEPING BLACK PEOPLE SEVERAL STEPS BEHIND.

IT IS NOT A JOKE. NOT A SUGGESTION. ITS REAL LIFE RACISM. ACCEPT IT

NOW GO HAVE A SEAT.

Jaz

Thank you.

Emmanuel X

Blacks can be prejudice towards you but they don’t have the power to control your way of life. Meaning there is institutional racism. There is a system established to continuing oppression. Blacks do not even have the power politically. I’m sorry to hear about your past trauma. I just want us to be careful to not put a label on black men in general. There are white rapist as well. But this has nothing to do with the racism.

Jaz

You don’t have the answers sway. Go watch that interview again and listen. You’ll come back with answers to these ridiculous questions.

Tisha

My point exactly

African Royalty

Your comment is right on point!

Trendsetter

You are articulate and educated but you are still wrong. Blacks have to stop placing blame on white people. We are holding each other back. Let’s be accountable and move forward.

Alice

Actually I am not wrong.

I can guarantee you that any issues that you can come up with that black people face can be directly contributed to or affected by some form of institutionalized racism.

The people who are recognizing these disparities and challenging these issues are the people who are moving the black community forward.

The individuals who believe that black people are to blame for all of their problems because they do not work hard enough are foolish. By participating in this type of discourse you do nothing more than create an environment in which white people can feel comfortable and deny their privilege. You do NOTHING to move black people forward by choosing to deny the challenges we face in our community.

Why should black people be expected to work 100% harder than everyone else just to get to the same place? (Rhetorical question)

Trendsetter

These are some of the problems facing black americans…..40% of the prison population, 70% of black births are out of wed lock, blacks not getting an education, shooting up clubs, having babies when you are poor, and selling drugs and killing your own people.

Yep these problems were the direct result of racism. Black people are not allowed to think and act on their own. Stop giving blacks an excuse and give them the truth.

Alice

40% of the prison population—hmm I wonder how that happened?Could it be that minorities are disproportionately targeted..given longer sentences for the same crimes white people commit?Could it be that the war on drugs in sending young black males to jail at disproportionate rates?Could it possibly be that our justice system is structured aroundInstitutionalized Racism.

“70% of black births are out of wed lock, blacks not getting an education, shooting up clubs, having babies when you are poor, and selling drugs and killing your own people”

Yes all of these things can be contributed to institutionalized racism. Issues such as being raised in a cycle of poverty, not having access to a good education etc.

Once again I am not making excuses. Simply pointing out the challenges.

I’m done with debate. Please do not respond with anymore comments to my post.

Black

Trendsetter

Disproportionately targeted??? EVIDENCE leads to conviction. Sure every now and then you have somebody going to jail when they are innocent but they are a minute part of that 40%. All of these “challenges” we are facing were not a problem during segregation. We had far more morals and values than that before. And drugs didn’t ruin every black neighborhood so that excuse does not work either. Now that we have the opportunity to educate ourselves and go where we please what is the reason that we are FAR worse off today than when we couldn’t use most public bathrooms. So you are telling me that ambiguous RACISM causes people to make bad decisions??? Listen to what you are saying….it makes NO sense. We had far less opportunities during segregation than we do now and we do not take advantage. You can be done with this debate but eventually reality will show you different. Stop making excuses so our people can move forward.

Theodore Pendergrass

I really enjoyed your post. Hope i run across u again.

Theodore Pendergrass

Great post, Alice!!

Tisha

Black people will get on here and cry about discrimination but then turn around and write belittling comments about Mimi Faust, Kim K and Blac Chyna calling them h0es and writing them off.

All people should be accepted and treated equally.

Equality is not just about race!!!

Stop being hypocritical and treat others the way y’all want white people to treat you

Because she ain’t Black, and will never know how it is to be a BLACK WOMAN, just like you. Who walk around with a “White Privilege” t-shirt on.

White women do no wrong, and when they do, every day is a new day for them to start over, vs the Black Women, and for that I will remove my thumbs up I handed you earlier.

Tisha

But she does know what it is to be a woman PERIOD!!!

AND NOT ONLY AM I BLACK I AM A BLACK WOMAN WHO SURVIVED RAPE AND CHILD MOLESTATION.

YOU HAVE NO IDEA, SWEETIE!!

Real Black Sista

I am a Black artist who creates Africana art. I preserve the traditions and ways of my Ancestors. I proudly proclaim blackness in all I do. I create works of art, choreography, poetry and songs to celebrate the refined Africana aesthetic. I spend every moment as a black artist working to capture what has be stolen, hidden or forgotten about my people. I am raising my children to do the same. I relish in being a revolutionary black artist and I don’t know any other way to be.

Tisha

Does your African art include depictions of abuse against African girls being circumsized? Does it include when Africans sold each other to Arabs and Whites?

I’m guessing no because that truth is too opposite from fully blaming ” The White Man”

Real Black Sista

I didn’t mention a word about blaming anyone. I affirm myself and my people in the most righteous ways. I’m a self determining type sista who spends her precious time celebrating the rich cultural history of our people in my artistic pursuits. I don’t have time to blame white people in my my artistic pursuits – where is the joy in that? My Ancestors hold me accountable to preserve and advance the wealth of creativity they’ve contributed to the world. Now if you want to talk my historical pursuits that’s another story, but that’s not the topic at hand, wouldn’t you agree?

Tisha

Well your ancestors sold your other ancestors so how about that rich cultural whatever TF?

Lehem Medhane

What proof do you have of Africans being involved in the selling of slaves?

Alice

Amen to this!

Tisha

Only amen to the God who created me.

Tisha

I am more afraid of the black KKK than i am of any racist white man.

Black people need to take a long look in the mirror. Nobody discriminates against black people MORE THAN BLACK PEOPLE!!

Cherry Coke

He also doesn’t speak about his Asian mother for whatever reason. He might have serious issue with being bi-racial. Have to take his comments with a grain of salt.

These black celebrities, once they start making a lot of money they just loose touch with regular black folks try to remove themselves from their blackness…even though its the support of black folks pumping life into their talent that got them where they are. Never forget where you came from because you never know how you will end up. Fact of life.

mommydear

I won’t get too deep into this, because I could write a book. But if anyone notices, these types of comments are usually made by black folks with money. ORRRRRRRR………by those who have denounced their black heritage. And………. thats it and thats all!!!!!!!

Tisha

Do you think issues in the black community will simply disappear if we all get a million dollars each???

Foolish mortal.

mommydear

Number one dont try me. I am a very proud woman of color. And no I dont think the problems in the BLACK community will go away if we each have a million dollars, but the problems also WILL NOT go away when people want to sit back and basically say that the pigmentation of your skin isnt what dictates certain things. I do agree with not puting the blame on anyone but yourself for your failures, but im definitely not going to sit here and agree with not trying to be black but just go with what my interest are. Thats a bunch of bologne. If you are black one of your interest SHOULD BE THE FACT YOU ARE BLACK. So like I said people that talk all that jazz are usually the ones who have made their way to.the other side of the tracks and dont want to look back. Instead of trying to be OR encourage others to be “the new black” how about just being proud to be BLACK. AND I AM DONE I WILL NOT BE RESPONDING TO ANYMORE POST (on this subject). Thank you and goodnight

mommydear

And you obviously didnt understand what I was saying, because if you did you wouldnt have responded the way you did. So have several seats AND get your life.

TrillProphecies93

I’m sorry when did America ever become post racial? That is a lie its still as racist as ever against us. Only difference is their are a few laws against it. Nothing has really changed. Except for us now being called African American too. We are still being profiled, shot, hung, burned, and other horrors against us for being black. We still aren’t treated fairly. I don’t agree with Pharelle at all, its sad a black man with money and education wouldn’t try to speak the truth and help his people. I guess the money from the white man means he can’t bite the hand that feeds him. Its the “I got money now so I could care less about those people” syndrome! There is no new black or old black just BLACK and I’m proud to be black. I will not hold my tongue for anyone trying to tell me about my race and the problems we still go through.

Von

What ever happened to critical thinking for oneself?

Miss E

I agree with him about the confidence thing, but he needs to shutup before he digs a hole for himself. He already admitted years ago that he didn’t like black women.——–Like damn, How many times are you going to show us that you’re a self hating person?

I get it now…so black (afro-American) is the cultural identity. Makes sense to me. No wonder why we have so many identity issues.

captured property

I seen first hand the racial riots in the sixties. What struck me most about that era was the national African American national guards who jumped off the planes armed with shot guns ready to kill there own kind. I had the opportunity to ask one of the guards why he would kill me or any other black person fighting for civil rights…he said for me to move along before he shot me. Pharrell reminds me of the guards mentality. He has been accepted by white society and is making money that will render him and his children above the poverty line…that is all it takes for an African American to forget slavery, forgive the white man’s racist practices, and kill the poor economically impoverished African American.

Von

They had an agenda, what’s ours? Oh, I forgot, we don’t have one other than to react into faux outrage over non-issues folks don’t agree with.

mimosacali4nia

whats funny is he is speaking truth. The fact yall don’t hear it is the reason blacks aint made no progress the past 30 years…..actually yall be declining………..

LostOdyssey

I usually like Pharrell but I disagree with him here like COMPLETELY

AaMikey Stephenson

I could not agree more with Pharrell. It’s time to choose sides. I’m down with the New Black. This may be the revolution needed to make people commit.

More power to you Pharrell. Thanks for speaking the truth on the dichotomy of the New Black and the Old Black that has led us to where we are now.. a culture of no individual accountability.

Guest

I support Pharrell. He is a New Black. A Square Black with super talent. And now that he’s calling out you suckas who dissed him – that’s what this is all about – and the fact that he did not lead with GOD like most fake black christian do, ya’ll mad.

Black people are always mad about something that makes no sense. Kobe’s statements, Maxwell’s pictures with white women, now Pharrell. There’s a whole list.

It seems they don’t get angered over the ratchet females laying down with any sorry dude and producing children, leaving their kids in cars to go to concerts, having black men imprisoned on false charges or entertainers using them as hoes, virtually or in real life. It’s anything goes and all bets are off.

It’s lost any power it may have had, this black outrage. And it’s because it’s not authentic and is easily countered by pointing out the overwhelming negative behavior by the same people who are so outraged.

AaMikey Stephenson

I support Pharrell. He is a New Black. A Square Black with super talent. And now that he’s calling out you suckas who dissed him when he was Skateboard boy – that’s what this is all about – and the fact that he did not lead with GOD like most fake black christians do, ya’ll mad.

Black people are always mad about something that makes no sense. Kobe’s statements, Maxwell’s pictures with white women, now Pharrell. There’s a whole list.

It seems they don’t get angered over the ratchet females laying down with any sorry dude and producing children, leaving their kids in cars to go to concerts, having black men imprisoned on false charges or entertainers using them as hoes, virtually or in real life. It’s anything goes and all bets are off.

It’s lost any power it may have had, this black outrage. And it’s because it’s not authentic and is easily countered by pointing out the overwhelming negative behavior by the same people who are so outraged. There’s a reason why people like Pharrell make it. It’s called having a plan and working it. There is no luck without preparation.

QuietlyZen

I’m going to go against popular opinion and say that I somewhat agree with Pharrells views towards race and the African American community. However, I don’t really see the point in labeling something the ”New Black” when there’s nothing new about it, black has always been black. It seems like nowadays there’s this whole being black and proud idea going on. I’m biracial (Black and Puerto Rican) and maybe that’s why I have a different opinion from most of these commentators because of how I was raised, but I just don’t get the whole being black and proud thing. I just so happen to have a black mom/was born black or whatever you consider me, why be proud of it? What’s the difference between black pride and white pride? If I was born white and said I was proud of being white almost all of you would be calling me racist. Racism does still exist, yes, but it only exists because (from what I’ve observed) some members of the African American community continue to allow racism to bother them! So to Pharrell, you have the right idea going on but don’t label it, and to the people opposing his views, maybe realize race only exists in your mind and there is only one race: The Human race. Peace.

immarvalous

In my opinion….I thought his interview was spot on. We are responsible for our own destiny. What’s wrong with what he said? Yes, he now has a platform but people weren’t checking for him until now, only because he has a top hit. He struggled like many of us do…yes, he got a breakthrough but only because he was persistent & because God saw his faithfulness…

As long as we as human beings keep referring to one another as a “color” or attempt to distinguish between ethnicity or nationality then we are all still f*cked. We constantly create indifference and separation when we all are under the same umbrella.

I’m human. Treat me as such and the same will be rewarded in return. Have a peaceful Sunday people.

Tom_F

***No one is actually paying Pharrell to be philosophical or promote the civil rights agenda.***Cranky Blacks getting paid to be cranky, though. Makin’ noise, makin’ babies, makin’ stacks just bein’ Black. Afraid to get criticized for tryin’, instead eatin’ Cheetos and cryin’. Just live your life, stay in your lane and act right, don’t be afraid the haters say you actin’ white.

george987789

Tell him to take his butt to ‘ BACKWOODS ‘ Alabama and see if they consider him a NEW BLACK.